Estate Planning · June 07, 2022

Although married same-gender couples are now enjoying nearly all of the same rights as opposite-gender couples, there is still one key right that’s still up in the air—the automatic right to be legal parents. While parental rights are automatically bestowed upon the biological parent, the non-biological spouse/parent still faces a number of challenges when it comes to obtaining full parental rights. Luckily, same-gender couples do have an alternative to adoption—estate planning.

Estate Planning · June 03, 2022

Although same-gender marriage is legally recognized in all 50 states, long-held prejudice at both political and family levels continues to create complications for married and unmarried same-gender couples. With this, especially if you're a member LGBTQ+ community, estate planning is even more critical for you and your beloved to ensure that they will be protected and provided for in the event of your death or incapacity.

Estate Planning · August 06, 2021

It's sad but true that many pets end up in shelters after their owner dies or becomes incapacitated. In fact, the Humane Society estimates that between 100,00 to 500,000 pets are placed in shelters each year for this reason, and many of these animals are ultimately euthanized. In light of this cold reality, if you're a pet owner, the best way to avoid this tragic event is to use estate planning to ensure your pets receive the best care when you're no longer able to care for them yourself.

Estate Planning · July 30, 2021

If you're like most people, you most likely own numerous digital assets, some of which may have significant monetary value and some which have purely sentimental value. You may also own digital assets which hold no value for anyone other than yourself or have a certain digital property that you'd prefer your family and friends not access or inherit when you pass away. To ensure all your digital assets are passed on according to your wish, you must adapt your estate planning strategies.

Estate Planning · July 23, 2021

Recent advances in digital technology have made many aspects of our lives exponentially easier and more convenient. But at the same time, digital technology has also created some serious complications when it comes to estate planning. Without the proper estate planning, just locating and accessing your digital assets can be a major headache—or even impossible—for your loved ones following your incapacity or death.

Estate Planning · July 16, 2021

Although Britney's story is certainly tragic and we can't be sure how it will ultimately play out, her case has at least shined a spotlight the possible pitfalls within the conservatorship and inspires you to make certain that you and your loved ones have the proper estate planning strategies in place to prevent the loss of autonomy, family conflict, and potential abuse that comes with court-ordered conservatorships and guardianships.

Business · July 13, 2021

Choosing the person to take over your business after your exit isn't about selecting someone who's exactly like you or even selecting someone you like. The most important thing is that you choose someone who's not only well-qualified for the role but also has the vision and skills to lead your company into the future. With so much riding on your decision, you should be careful to avoid these three common mistakes business owners often make when naming successors.

Estate Planning · July 09, 2021

Since the age of 16, when she burst onto the charts with her debut single, "Hit Me Baby One More Time," Britney Spears has been one of the world's most famous and beloved pop stars. Yet despite her fame and fortune, Britney never had full control over her own life. She's been living under a conservatorship for the past 13 years. With the thought that it was only meant to be temporary, yet, it was made long-term, and her father has remained in nearly full control of her life ever since.

Business · July 06, 2021

Coming up with a solid concept for a new business and working to get your operation off the ground can be an expensive undertaking. But the good news is that you can write off several expenses involved with the startup process. However, the rules for deducting startup expenses are different from those for writing off general business expenses incurred by an existing company. Here are some of the basic rules for writing off startup expenses that will benefit your business.

Business · June 01, 2021

Taking your clients out to dinner or to a sporting event can be a great way to get to know the people with whom you are doing business and help you develop a closer relationship. Plus, it can be a legitimate business expense (with some exceptions) that you can deduct from your company’s income taxes. The rules for deducting meal and entertainment expenses from your taxes have changed quite a bit over the last few years, and these changes can be pretty confusing.